The Allen Temple AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia, has invited the public for a Christmas musical on Saturday, Dec. 11.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Dec. 6, the Allen Temple AME Church announced that it would hold a Christmas musical on Saturday at 5 p.m.
The church, however, noted that limited seating would be available to prevent transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections.
Those interested participants may visit the Allen Temple AME Church to learn more about the written article.
Church's History
According to the Allen Temple AME Church's website, following Emancipation in 1866, many ex-slaves and their families relocated to Summerhill in Southeast Atlanta. Many residents admired the African Methodist Church's values and wished to create a branch in this area.
The church said a committee from Summerhill went to an AME Church on Jenkins Street at the time and requested that someone is sent to establish a church for them.
It said that Elder J. A. Wood was chosen to lead the charge in establishing this church in Summerhill. A Brush Arbor was built at the junction of Crumbley and Martin Streets in the spring of 1866, under the direction of Elder Wood, where the first service was held.
Following several services in the Brush Arbor and prayer gatherings in various homes across the town, the land was purchased at the corner of Hammock Place and Martin Street on which the first church was built, according to the church's website.
It said that Wood's Chapel was named after Reverend Wood, who served as pastor until 1869.
According to the church, Rev. Scottie Swinney became the new pastor of Allen Temple Church in June 2009.
A new roof was installed, and the parsonage was refurbished. The promised opening of the Cornerstone took place on Easter Sunday 2010 under his direction.
The church said the installation of surveillance cameras aided loss prevention. Pledges were secured due to his initiative, and a disability-accessible bus was custom ordered.
Church's Transformation
According to the church's website, the Allen Temple underwent another transformation in 2012, when Reverend Dr. John A. Foster was appointed as pastor. His arrival signaled a shift in the church, as technology became the buzzword. Throughout the premises, Comcast Wi-Fi was installed.
The church went live in October 2012, broadcasting the worship services every Sunday.
The church said Bishop Preston Warren Williams II appointed the current pastor, Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Bess, in May 2013. A new PA system was installed under his strong direction.
In 2015, Allen Temple was wired for its Wi-Fi, strategically placed hotspots throughout the building. A computer lab was established for both children and adults. New flooring was installed in the pastor's office, giving it a new look.
In December 2016, the church held a culminating Gala to commemorate its 150th anniversary. In the kitchen, a new commercial stove was fitted.
The church added that Allen Temple's focus on community outreach shifted in 2017, and AT.COM (Allen Temple Community Outreach Ministry) was founded. In March of 2017, AT.COM revived the Food Pantry.
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